Celebrating Flag Day and the unity of becoming an American at Mount Rushmore
Honoring the American Flag in red, white & blue as reminders of our heritage, history and shared values
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) - Celebrating a unique patriotic event filled with American pride and unity as Mount Rushmore will be hosting a special welcoming ceremony at the iconic memorial this weekend.
On June 14, Mount Rushmore National Memorial will host a Naturalization Ceremony in honor of Flag Day. The National Park Service, the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will welcome more than 150 people from over 40 countries. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and take place in the outdoor Amphitheater located in front of the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center. The public is welcome to attend the ceremony and join the celebration. The ceremony will also feature performances by the 484th Army Band, Dakota Choral Union, and Lakota artist Sequoia Crosswhite. Earl Perez Foust, Park Ranger and Diana Nielsen, CEO of the Mount Rushmore Society urge the community to come out and witness an inspiring moment as we welcome new citizens to our great nation.
In addition, the Pennington County Auditor’s Office will have a booth set up for voter registration. Flag Day celebrates the anniversary of the day – June 14, 1777 – the Second Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States. The first national observance of Flag Day took place 100 years later, on June 14, 1877. In celebration of the Naturalization Ceremony and Flag Day, the park will be replacing all individual flags in the Avenue of Flags with the national flag of the United States of America. Every day of the year, the Avenue of Flags highlights the strength of the United States by recognizing the differences that span across individual states and territories. However, to welcome the new citizens to the United States the Avenue of Flags will celebrate the unity that binds all American citizens together. All state and territory flags will be returned to the Avenue of Flags by June 15. Ceremonies held in national parks advance the meaning and stature of citizenship by building connections between new citizens and America’s parks. Since 2006, hundreds of special naturalization ceremonies have been held at many of the 429 places safeguarded by NPS across the country. The USCIS and NPS partnership promotes citizenship and naturalization by holding ceremonies at national parks and historic federal landmarks that best represent the strength and spirit of the United States. About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 429 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Nielsen says you can also embark on a magical adventure this weekend as well with the 6th Annual Find Your Park Festival on Saturday, June 15th. She says this year’s event will be held at Storybook Island from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The goal of the festival is to make the community aware of the various parks in our area, as well as other organizations geared towards getting the public outdoors. You can learn about our public lands in the Black Hills region by visiting booths spotlighting national, state, and local parks. One caveat, you must be invited to attend by a child. Experience all the whimsical fun and join the adventurous as you navigate the Find Your Park Festival.
Summer fun at Mount Rushmore is heating up with a variety of evening lighting ceremonies against the backdrop of the memorial. Nielsen says it’s a deeply moving experience that invites reflection and appreciation. Each summer evening, enjoy an engaging ranger talk, see the stirring film Freedom: America’s Lasting Legacy, and witness the retiring of the flag by former and active military service members before the sculpture is illuminated. This program holds a special place in the hearts of many, making it the most attended program across the entire park service. Plan your summer now to be part of these unforgettable evening programs.
Perez Foust says they have more cultural programming than ever before with opportunities to learn about the culture and traditions of the people that have populated this land since time. Lakota, Nakota and Dakota Heritage Village explore the history of the Black Hills and the Native American culture featuring Darrell Red Cloud and Sequoia Crosswhite. Located along the first section of the presidential trail, this area highlights the customs and traditions of local Native American communities, opening late May through mid-August. Hoop Dance performances on Gran View Terrace where you can join Lakota artist & Hoop Dancer Extraordinaire Starr Chief Eagle and Jasmine Bell for an hour of hoop dancing and storytelling. The activity includes audience participation and music starting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursdays throughout the summer.
New pet use/pet exercise area and bark ranger tags.
5 Kay Jorgensen interns have joined the staff at Mount Rushmore to provide visitor services, ranger talks, and visitor information while gaining valuable experience.
Junior Ranger program – there is no age limit. Feel free to come out to Mount Rushmore and complete the junior ranger book and get sworn in!
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